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Biomedical subjects

C Erol

Publications and source records attributed to C Erol.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Prevalence of the metabolic syndrome among Turkish adults.

OBJECTIVE: To determine prevalence of the metabolic syndrome (MS) in a sample representing Turkish population using United States Adult Treatment Panel-3 guidelines. DESIGN: The study included random samples from both urban and rural populations in the seven geographical regions of Turkey. The population for this analysis were 2108 men (1372 in urban and 736 in rural areas) and 2151 women (1423 in urban and 728 in rural areas) with a mean age of 40.9+/-14.9 years (range 20-90). RESULTS: The prevalence of the MS diagnosed using the Adult Treatment Panel III criteria was 33.9% (1442 of 4259) and differed significantly in men (28%) and women (39.6%). The prevalence of syndrome increased with age in men, from 10.7% in subjects aged 20-29 years to 49% in those aged over 70 years. The prevalence increased with age in women, from 9.6% in subjects aged 20-29 years to 74.6% in those aged 60-69 years, and decreased to 68.6% in those over 70 years of age. The prevalence of the syndrome was similar in urban (33.8%) and rural (33.9%) population. We found 26.8, 26.4, 19.3, 10.9 and 3.6% of the population had at least 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 components, respectively. We found 57.2, 32.3 and 10.6% of the subjects with MS had 3, 4 and 5 components, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of the MS in the adult Turkish population is very high, especially in women. Our findings have important implications for public health in Turkey.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Treatment and control of hypertension in Turkish population: a survey on high blood pressure in primary care (the TURKSAHA study).

Although the management and the control rates of hypertension are generally low throughout the world, there are substantial differences between the countries. The aim of this study was to determine the control rate of blood pressure and the characteristics of the patients who have been admitted to primary care units in Turkey. Our study included 16,270 patients aged above 18 years who were diagnosed as hypertensive in representative nationwide sample of 1,000 primary care units in Turkey. The mean age of the patients was 60+/-11 years (60.1% women). Of 16,270 patients, 15 187 (93.3%) were on an antihypertensive treatment, whereas 1,083 (6.7%) were receiving no treatment. The patients who were women, diabetic, smoker, obese, and those who had a concomitant cardiovascular disease (CVD) had a higher rate of antihypertensive treatment. Of 15,187 treated patients, 4,912 (30.2%) had a controlled systolic blood pressure, 7,063 (43.4%) a controlled diastolic blood pressure, and in 3,931 (24.2%), both were under control. A logistic regression analysis demonstrated that age (OR 1.33), diabetes (OR 4.96), body mass index (OR 1.41) and the presence of a CVD (OR 1.19) were predictors for blood pressure being under control. The blood pressure control rates ranged between 16.6 and 30.5% among seven geographical regions. In the primary care units in Turkey, the blood pressure control rate is consistently low in treated hypertensive patients. In addition, there are differences between the geographical regions in both the proportion of those receiving medications and the blood pressure control rates.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Elevated levels of C-reactive protein are associated with impaired coronary collateral development.

BACKGROUND: In vitro studies have shown that C-reactive protein (CRP) attenuates nitric oxide production and inhibits angiogenesis, which may result in impaired collateral development. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between high sensitivity CRP (hsCRP) levels and the extent of coronary collaterals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We investigated the association between hsCRP levels and the extent of coronary collaterals according to the Rentrop classification in a cohort of 185 patients who had high-grade coronary stenosis or occlusion on their angiograms. RESULTS: Mean age was 62 years and 80% were males. Subjects with a higher grade of collaterals were significantly less likely to have diabetes mellitus (OR; 0.48, 95% and CI; 0.28, 0.83) or acute coronary syndrome (OR; 0.58, 95% and CI; 0.33, 0.99), but they were more likely to have higher number of vessels with significant stenosis (OR; 1.41, 95% and CI; 1.03, 1.93) and to have received statins (OR; 1.84, 1.09, 3.13). The mean hsCRP values reduced significantly as the Rentrop grades increased (trend, P = 0.0006). After adjusting for age, gender, statin use, clinical presentation with acute coronary syndrome, diabetes mellitus and the number of vessels with significant stenosis, each 10-unit increase in hsCRP values corresponded to a 31% reduced odds of having a higher collateral score (OR; 0.69, 95% and CI; 0.53, 0.90). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that elevated hsCRP levels are associated with a significant impairment in coronary collateralization. These data suggest a previously unrecognized mechanism through which inflammation may worsen cardiovascular outcomes.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

The relation between transmitral early filling wave deceleration time and the recovery of atrial contractility after electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: Electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation (AF) to sinus rhythm is associated with transient left atrial dysfunction and this phenomenon may lead to thrombus formation and embolic stroke. Delay of atrial mechanical function recovery may be related to ventricular diastolic function. OBJECTIVE: This study examined the effects of left ventricular diastolic function as well as the multiple clinical factors on the recovery of atrial systolic function after cardioversion for atrial fibrillation. METHODS: A total of 44 patients (28 male, 16 female, 61+/-18 years) with chronic AF (> or =1 month) underwent electrical cardioversion. Deceleration time of early filling wave (pre-CV EDT) on transmitral inflow obtained by using Doppler echocardiography before cardioversion and serial transmitral inflow Doppler variables were recorded through a 1 week study period in all patients. Various clinical (age, gender, the duration of AF) and echocardiographic variables (pre-CV EDT, left atrial dimension, left ventricular ejection fraction) were tested for an association with peak atrial filling wave velocity (VA) on day 1, 3 and 7 after cardioversion. RESULTS: EDT measured before cardioversion had a strong linear correlation with peak VA on every echocardiographic evaluation after cardioversion (Regression coefficient (R)=0.69, P<0.001; R=0.78, P<0.001 and R=0.83, P<0.001, on day 1, day 3 and day 7, respectively). The effect of left ventricular ejection fraction on peak VA was weaker than those of EDT. The duration of AF showed an inverse association with the recovery of atrial function, but this lost on multivariate analysis. None of the other parameters significantly correlated with peak VA after cardioversion. CONCLUSION: The recovery of atrial mechanical function after cardioversion, as assessed by peak VA on transthoracic Doppler echocardiography is mainly associated with the left ventricular diastolic function as measured by EDT, whereas the left ventricular systolic function relatively a small effect on this outcome. The duration of AF does not have any association with peak VA, possibly if it is chronic.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed2001

A recurrent right heart thrombus in a patient with Behçet's disease.

We report the case of a patient who was admitted to the immunology unit of our medical facility. The patient had a history of recurrent oral ulcers, low-grade fever, weight loss, and fatigue. Echocardiographic examination revealed a right ventricular mass that was initially thought to be a myxoma in an unusual location, and the patient was sent to surgery. Surgery revealed the mass to be a thrombus. After 5 months of anticoagulation therapy, the patient was readmitted to our institution with the same complaints, and a right atrial thrombus was found on echocardiographic examination. After a careful reevaluation of the patient's history and episodes of recurrent oral and genital ulcers, as well as the papulopustular lesions found on his first admission to hospital, Behçet's disease was diagnosed. The patient received thrombolytic therapy with a regression of thrombus, and continued with immunosuppressive and anticoagulation therapy. Five months later, echocardiographic examination showed complete disappearance of thrombus.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Predictive value of mitral annular calcification for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.

Mitral annulus calcification (MAC) is an independent predictor of coronary artery disease (CAD). The present study was designed to determine whether an association exists between MAC and CAD in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. Among the 286 patients with MAC on echocardiographic examination who underwent coronary angiography, 55 patients with echocardiographic findings of dilated cardiomyopathy (group I) were compared to 60 age-matched controls without MAC and an echocardiographic diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy (group II) who underwent coronary angiography during the same time. There were no differences in echocardiographic findings between two groups. The prevalence of CAD was higher in group I when compared to group II (74% vs 28%, p<0.001). With regard to severity of CAD, two-vessel, three-vessel, and left main coronary artery disease were found to be significantly frequent in group I (p<0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that MAC (p=0.001), diabetes mellitus (p=0.048), and history of anginal chest pain (p=0.009) are the independent predictors for the presence of CAD in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. In conclusion, MAC may be a marker for the presence of coronary artery disease in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

Hyperhomocysteinemia and restenosis.

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to assess the effect of plasma homocysteine level on angiographic restenosis 6 months after coronary angioplasty. METHODS: The plasma homocysteine level was measured in 100 consecutive patients at the time of coronary angioplasty, 56 patients who attended a 6-month follow-up angiogram being enrolled to the study; the 44 patients without a control coronary angiogram were not enrolled. Patients with and without angiographic restenosis were designated as groups A (n = 34) and B (n = 22) respectively. RESULTS: The baseline demographic (groups A and B), angiographic (groups A and B) and procedural characteristics were similar in both groups. The mean plasma homocysteine level (SD) was 15.2 (7.7) and 11.1 (2.5) mumol/l in groups A and B respectively (P = 0.007; 95% CI -6.9 to -1.1). With respect to the plasma homocysteine level, the upper and the lower thirds were compared by binary logistic regression (the lower third homocysteine level being < 10.6 mumol/l and the upper third homocysteine level > 14.1 mumol/l). The angiographic restenosis rate for the lower and upper tertiles was 47.4% and 89.5% respectively (P = 0.01; OR = 9.4; 95% CI 1.6-52.7). After adjustment for age and sex, the statistical significance did not change (P = 0.013; OR = 9.43; 95% CI 1.6-54.9). Even after adjustment for age, sex, smoking, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and diabetes mellitus, there was a statistically significant difference between the upper and lower tertiles (P = 0.008; OR = 41.3; 95% CI 2.6-635). CONCLUSION: Increased plasma homocysteine level and diabetes mellitus were independent risk factors for angiographic restenosis after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty and coronary stenting.

Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary↗
PubMed2000

Left atrial appendage function in patients with different pacing modes.

Many studies suggest that patients who receive a ventricular pacemaker have a higher incidence of systemic thromboembolism compared to patients receiving a physiological pacemaker. However, the exact mechanism regarding the etiology of thromboembolism remains unclear. We evaluated the left atrial appendage (LAA) functions, using multiplane transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), in patients with different pacing modes. In order to evaluate the ejection fraction (EF), peak emptying (V(E)) and filling (V(F)) flow velocities of the LAA by TEE, we studied 31 patients (mean age 63+/-18.5 years) who had been paced for 5.0+/-2.9 years. Patients with atrial fibrillation, left ventricular dysfunction and mitral valve disease were excluded. The pacing indications were complete atrioventricular block (AVB) in 19 patients (9 VVI, 10 VDD or DDD) and sick sinus syndrome (SSS) in 12 patients (5 VVI, 7 DDD). Mean EF, V(E) and V(F) of the LAA were significantly lower in all patients with ventricular pacing (25.5+/-15.6%, 30.4+/-15.6 cm/s and 29. 1+/-19.2 cm/s, respectively) compared to those with physiologic pacing (48.5+/-16.9%, 59.6+/-16.3 cm/s, 57.9+/-18.5 cm/s, respectively) (P<0.01 in all). When patients were further classified with respect to underlying heart disease whether they had SSS or AVB, all measurements of the LAA (EF, V(E) and V(F)) in both subgroup of patients with SSS and AVB were found significantly lower in those with ventricular pacing than in those with physiologic pacing (Tables 3 and 4). This decrease, especially in LAA flow, was much greater in those with SSS (Mean V(E) and V(F) <20 cm/s). In a patient paced with VVI for SSS, a thrombus was detected within the LAA cavity. In conclusion, these results suggest that the pacing modality appeared to influence the LAA functions in paced patients. Patients with asynchronous ventricular pacing modes had a significantly higher incidence of depressed LAA functions than did patients with physiological pacing, especially more marked in patients with sick sinus syndrome. This may be a factor responsible for increased risk of thrombus formation and thromboembolic events in this patient population.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

The effects of L-carnitine treatment on left ventricular function and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase activity in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy.

We studied the effects of L-carnitine on left ventricular systolic function and the erythrocyte superoxide dismutase activity in 51 patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy. They all previously were under the treatment of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, digitalis and diuretics. Patients were randomized into two groups. In group I (n=31), 2 g/day L-carnitine was added to therapy. L-Carnitine was not given to the other 20 patients (Group II). In group I (mean age 64.3+/-7.8 years), 27 of the patients were men, and four were women. In group II (mean age 66.2+/-8.7 years), 17 of the patients were men, and three were women. Twenty age-matched healthy subjects (mean age: 60.1+/-5.3 years) constituted the control group. In each group, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) by echocardiography and red cell superoxide dismutase activity by spectrophotometric method were measured initially and after 1 month of randomisation. Compared with normal healthy subjects (n=20), patients (n=51) had significantly higher red cell SOD activity (5633+/-1225 vs. 3202+/-373 U/g Hb, P<0.001). At the end of 1 month of L-carnitine therapy, red cell SOD activity showed an increase in group I (5918+/-1448 to 7218+/-1917 U/g Hb, P<0.05). In group II, red cell SOD activity showed no significant change after 1 month of randomisation (5190+/-545 to 5234+/-487 U/g Hb, P=0. 256). One month after randomisation there was a significant increase in LVEF in both groups I and II (37.8-42.3%, P<0.001 in group I; 41. 5-43.8%, P<0.001 in group II). The improvement in LVEF was more significant in the L-carnitine group (4.5% vs. 2.3%, P<0.01). We conclude that, as a sign of increased free radical production, superoxide dismutase activity was further increased in patients with L-carnitine treatment. L-Carnitine treatment in combination with other traditional pharmacological therapy might have an additive effect for the improvement of left ventricular function in ischemic cardiomyopathy.

Aged↗
PubMed2000

How previous angina influences early prognosis of patients with acute myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: There is little information about how previous angina influences the complications of myocardial infarction and also contradictory results have been reported. OBJECTIVE: To compare the risk factors for myocardial infarction, complications, performance of left ventricle, and coronary angiography findings of patients who had suffered acute myocardial infarction with those for patients who had not. METHODS: We studied 600 patients diagnosed to have suffered acute myocardial infarction. Patients are grouped into those having previously had angina for at least 1 month preceding acute myocardial infarction (group I, n = 308 patients; 223 men and 85 women, mean age 60.4 +/- 10.6 years) and those who had not had angina (group II, n = 292 patients; 221 men and 71 women, mean age 58 +/- 9 years). The risk factors, complications (cardiogenic shock, heart failure, disturbances of rhythm and conduction, cardiac rupture and death), left-ventricle ejection fraction, and echocardiography and coronary angiographic findings during hospitalization are compared. RESULTS: There was no difference with respect to localization of myocardial infarction (anterior, inferior, and non-Q) between groups I and II (P> 0.05). Hypertension in members of group I was higher (P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference with respect to diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia and cigarette smoking (P > 0.05). Heart failure (P< 0.05), cardiogenic shock (P< 0.01), incidence of ventricular premature systole > 3/min (P< 0.001) and atrial fibrillation (P< 0.05) were seen more prevalently in group II than they were in group I. There was no difference between the two groups with respect to bundle-branch blockage and third-degree atrioventricular blockage. Incidences of ventricular fibrillation, rupture of interventricular septum (IVS) and death in hospital were higher in group II (6.2 versus 3.6%, 6.2 versus 3.2%, 2.1 versus 0.6%) but were not statistically significant. Coronary angiography detected no statistically significant difference with respect to disease in left main coronary artery, and one-vessel and two-vessel disease; but three-vessel disease was significantly more prevalent in group II (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Heart failure, cardiogenic shock, arrhythmia (more than three VPS within 1 min and atrial fibrillation), and three-vessel disease detected by coronary angiography were found more often in the myocardial infarct patients without previous angina and these differences were statistically significant. In-hospital mortality and cardiac rupture were also found more commonly in this group and ejection fractions measured by echocardiography were found to be less, but these differences were statistically insignificant.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

The incidence and significance of myocardial bridge in a prospectively defined population of patients undergoing coronary angiography for chest pain.

Since its first description in 1922, the incidence and pathophysiologic significance of myocardial bridges has remained controversial due to the relatively small size and retrospective design of most studies. We assessed the incidence and clinical consequence of myocardial bridges in 2547 patients undergoing coronary arteriography over a 16-month period at our medical center. Of the 511 patients without fixed coronary obstruction, 26 (5%) were found to have myocardial bridge. Of the 26 patients only 1 demonstrated ischemia as assessed by Tc-99m MIBI myocardial perfusion scintigraphy during treadmill exercise testing in the distribution of the culprit lesion. Therefore, the results of the present study suggest that angiographically detectable myocardial bridges are uncommon in patients undergoing routine angiography and are associated with ischemia in only one patient.

Chest Pain↗
PubMed1999

Echocardiographic evaluation of left ventricular diastolic function in chronic cor pulmonale.

In this study we hoped to understand the abnormalities of left ventricular filling dynamics in chronic cor pulmonale. Our findings showed a severe left ventricular diastolic impairment, directly related to a progressive increase in pulmonary hypertension itself, as expressed by correlation analysis between systolic pulmonary artery pressure and the following parameters: transmitral flow velocity in early/late diastole ratio (r = -0.69, p <0.001), isovolumic relaxation time (r = 0.54, p = 0.001), and transmitral flow velocity in early diastole (r = -0.59, p <0.01).

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Interobserver and intraobserver variations in sonographic measurement of thyroid volume in children.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the interobserver and intraobserver variations in sonographic measurement of thyroid volume in children. DESIGN: Thyroid volumes of 30 healthy children were measured by three separate observers. Additionally each observer measured thyroid volumes of ten separate children three times. METHODS: The data were used to assess intraobserver and interobserver variations in measurement of thyroid volume. Interobserver and intraobserver variations in measuring each diameter of the thyroid gland were also determined. The effect of thyroid size on interobserver and intraobserver variations was analyzed. RESULTS: Intraobserver variation in measurement of thyroid volume was 8.4+/-6.7% (mean+/-s. d.). Interobserver variation was 13.3+/-8.2%. The widest interobserver variation was encountered in determining the craniocaudal diameter of the thyroid gland. No correlation was found between thyroid volume and interobserver variation (r=-0.12, P=0.27), whereas a slight but statistically significant correlation was found between thyroid volume and intraobserver variation (r=-0.26, P=0.012). CONCLUSION: Significant interobserver and intraobserver variation occurs in sonographic measurement of thyroid volume in children.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Obliteration of maxillary and sphenoid sinuses in Gaucher's disease.

Paranasal sinus obliteration is described in a patient with adult type Gaucher's disease. Plain radiographs and computed tomography showed obliteration of paranasal sinuses due to medullary expansion of surrounding bone. The mandible and maxilla are rarely affected in Gaucher's disease and obliteration of paranasal sinuses due to bony expansion has not previously been reported.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Improvement of Left Ventricular Function and Wall Motion Abnormalities after Recanalization of Total Occlusion of Left Anterior Descending Coronary Artery by Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty.

PTCA was performed in 262 consecutive patients (pts) with total LAD occlusion. TIMI 3 flow was established in 164 pts (success rate was 62.6%). After 4Ð6 months a follow-up angiography of 72 pts showed restenosis in 39 pts (restenosis rate was 54.2%). In 33 pts without restenosis there was a significant increase in ejection fraction (EF) (54.6 +/- 15 versus 59.8 +/- 18.1 before and after PTCA respectively, p = 0.02). Improvement of wall motion abnormalities (WMA) in 12 of 26 pts was observed. Anterolateral-apical (AL-A) aneurysm disappeared in 6 pts and limited to apex in 2 pts. AL-A hypokinesia in 3 and akinesia in 1 reversed to normal wall motion (NWM). There was not a significant change in EF in either of the groups of pts with reocclusion (24 pts) or restenosis (15 pts) (p > 0.05). However, AL-A aneurysm disappeared in 2 of 12 pts with WMA before PTCA although there was restenosis (but TIMI 3 flow) on follow-up coronary angiogram. In 3 pts with restenosis but not reocclusion AL-A hypokinesia, akinesia and apical dyskinesia returned to NWM. No significant changes were observed in the left ventricular end diastolic pressures (LVEDP) in both pt groups with or without improvement of WMA(p > 0.05). Filling fractions (FF) did not change in patients with or without restenosis. CONCLUSION: The observations in patients with successful total LAD occlusion angioplasty and no restenosis are as follows: 1) There was a significant increase in EF; 2) There was no significant decrease in LVEDP and no increase in FF; 3) The rate of improvement of WMA was 46.2%; 4) There was no relation between improvement of WMA and the age of occlusion, the grade of coronary collateral vessels and involvement of other coronary arteries. However, it has been emphasized that in 11 of 12 pts (91.6%) with improvement of WMA the age of occlusion was < 3 months, in 10 (83.3%) the grade of coronary collateral vessels was 2 or 3 and in 10 (83.3%) the other coronary arteries were normal. The improvement of WMA in 41.6% of pts. who had also subtotal restenosis but not reocclusion was observed. Finally in 72 pts with follow-up coronary angiography, the rate of improvement of wall motion was 23.5 %.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1996

Relationship of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring data to echocardiographic findings in haemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: The present study was performed to assess the value of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) in determining the adequacy of blood pressure (BP) control, and its relationship to echocardiographic findings in haemodialysis (HD) patients. METHODS: We studied 40 non-diabetic adult patients who had been on regular HD treatment for a median duration of 43 months. Twenty-four-hour ABPM was performed using a non-invasive ABP monitor (Pressurescan, ERKA). Casual BP (cBP) was defined as the average of two measurements obtained at two HD sessions, one preceding and one following the ABP recordings, and was calculated for both the predialysis and postdialysis phases. Two-dimensional and M-mode echocardiography were performed in each patient to determine interventricular septal thickness (IVS), left ventricular posterior wall thickness (LVPW), left ventricular fractional shortening (FS), and left ventricular mass index (LVMI). RESULTS: According to average 24-h BP levels, 50% of the patients had systolic hypertension (HT) (> 139 mmHg), and 72.5% had diastolic HT (> 87 mmHg), while only 25% had been diagnosed as HT by cBP measurements (P < 0.01 and P < 0.0001 respectively). Diurnal variation in BP was not present in about 80% of the patients. Echocardiography was normal in only four patients (10%). LVMI and LV wall thickness were correlated to ABPM data better than to cBP measurements. Using stepwise linear regression analysis, LVMI and IVS were positively correlated with systolic BP load (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.0001 respectively), and LVPW was positively correlated with night-time systolic BP level (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: ABPM is necessary to assess the adequacy of BP control, and is well correlated to end-organ damage of HT in HD patients.

Adolescent↗